Pokie machines to stay at Flinders St station

THE pokies will be staying put at Flinders St station despite hopes for a major overhaul to the Melbourne landmark.

Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien told Parliament the Clocks pokies venue would not be pushed out of Flinders St.

"The Clocks lease is a commercial arrangement between Metro Trains Melbourne and the Doxa Social Club," Mr O'Brien said.

"There has been no discussion of leasing matters with Doxa or my office."

The lease with Metro does not expire until 2023.

Doxa
Social Club general manager Max Williams said Clocks was a popular
venue that directed its profits to underprivileged children.

"We are very pleased to hear those comments from the minister," he said.

The Government has initiated a $1 million international design competition for Flinders St station.

A spokesman for Premier Ted Baillieu said Clocks would have no
impact on the competition. "The commercial lease at Clocks does not
limit or restrict the scope of the design competition," spokesman Paul
Price said.